‘Boycott Britain,’ Suggests Kadima MK

Kadima MK Tirosh suggests a boycott of goods from Britain, which has urged Judea and Samaria foods to be labeled “Israeli settlement produce."

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Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu , 17/12/09 10:42 | updated: 11:15

Kadima MK Ronit Tirosh

Israel news photo: Flash 90

Kadima Knesset Member Ronit Tirosh has called on government officials to stop flying British Airways and has suggested an Israeli boycott of British goods. Knesset Speaker Ruby Rivlin of the Likud backed her idea.

MK Tirosh's initiative is in retaliation for the British government’s recommendation that its Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs label Jewish products made in Judea and Samaria as "Israeli settlement produce." It also suggested that non-Jewish goods be accompanied by the description "Palestinian produce."

The British department stated that traders would be committing an offense if they declared produce from the area as "produce of Israel.” Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor noted, "It looks like it is catering to the demands of those whose ultimate goal is the boycott of Israeli products."

MK Tirosh called on the Israeli public “to reconsider” buying British merchandise if its government does not cancel its recommendation. Dozens of MKs have signed MK Tirosh’s petition. She forwarded to the accountant general an appeal that he not authorize expenditures for officials traveling on British Airways.

Speaker Rivlin called her initiative “correct and important” and suggested it be translated into English and sent to his counterpart in the British Parliament.

“Lately we have been witness to problematic decisions by the British government that create a climate for anti-Israeli steps, such as an academic boycott. I suggest that Israeli officials stop using British Airways so long as Britain considers Israel to be two different countries.

“It certainly would not do any harm if we encourage the public to buy ‘blue and white’ [Israeli] goods,” she declared.